Biology subjects

Sona, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Sona, S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Alternative polyadenylation regulates human urothelial differentiation

The urothelium is stratified into progenitor basal cells, intermediate cells, and terminally differentiated umbrella cells. Proper renewal of umbrella cells is necessary for maintaining urinary tract barrier integrity. To investigate whether mRNA alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) regulates urothelial differentiation, we developed a single-cell polyadenylation site usage (scPASU) computational pipeline to map cell state-specific polyadenylation sites in single-cell RNA-seq data from 13,544 urothelial cells. Leveraging single-cell spatial imaging, we directly visualized APA events in situ, revealing their spatial specificity within the adult human ureter. APA shaped urothelial differentiation, independent of gene expression changes. Furthermore, key APA-regulated genes shared conserved motifs in their 3 UTRs, often containing Alu elements, suggesting a potential mechanism regulating poly(A) site selection. Our study establishes APA as a driver of urothelial transcriptome diversity.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Ureter single-cell and spatial mapping reveal cell types, architecture, and signaling networks

Tissue engineering offers a promising treatment strategy for ureteral strictures, but its success requires an in-depth understanding of the architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and signaling pathways underlying tissue regeneration. Here we define and spatially map cell populations within the human ureter using single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial gene expression, and immunofluorescence approaches. We focused on the stromal and urothelial cell populations to enumerate distinct cell types composing the human ureter and inferred potential cell-cell communication networks underpinning the bi-directional crosstalk between these compartments. Furthermore, we analyzed and experimentally validated the importance of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in adult stem cell maintenance. The SHH-expressing basal cells supported organoid generation in vitro and accurately predicted the differentiation trajectory from basal stem cells to terminally differentiated umbrella cells. Our results highlight essential processes involved in adult ureter tissue homeostasis and provide a blueprint for guiding ureter tissue engineering.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Satellite glial cells modulate cholinergic transmission between sympathetic neurons

Postganglionic sympathetic neurons and satellite glial cells are the two major cell types of the peripheral sympathetic ganglia. Sympathetic neurons project to and provide neural control of peripheral organs and have been implicated in human disorders ranging from cardiovascular disease to peripheral neuropathies. Here we show that satellite glia regulate postnatal development and activity of sympathetic neurons, providing evidence for local ganglionic control of sympathetic drive. We show changes in the cellular architecture of the rat sympathetic ganglia during the postnatal period, with satellite glia enwrapping sympathetic neuronal somata during a period of neuronal hypertrophy. In culture, satellite glia contribute to neuronal survival, promote synapse formation and play a modulatory role in neuron-to-neuron cholinergic neurotransmission, consistent with the close contact seen within the ganglia. Cultured satellite glia make and release neurotrophins, which can partially rescue the neurons from nerve growth factor deprivation. Electrophysiological recordings and immunocytochemical analysis on cultured sympathetic neurons show that satellite glial cells influence synapse number and total neuronal activity with little effect on neuronal intrinsic excitability. Thus, satellite glia play an early and ongoing role within the postnatal sympathetic ganglia, expanding our understanding of the contributions of local and target-derived factors in the regulation of sympathetic neuron function.

neuroscience↗